The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has denied reports of a NIMC NIN database breach, saying Nigeria’s National Identity Database has not been compromised.
The commission issued the clarification on Thursday through its official X account after a viral video alleged that sensitive National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number details could be obtained for as little as N100.
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The video also alleged that NIMC officials in Lagos were selling individuals’ NIN information for about N1,000 outside the commission’s office.
NIMC rejected the allegations, describing the claims as false, unfounded and misleading.
“The Commission wishes to state, categorically, that this claim is false and unfounded. The Commission National Identity Database, NIDB, has not been breached or compromised at any point,” the commission said.
NIMC further said the reports circulating online were not new allegations but had been recycled from a report published in 2024.
The commission said it operates a multi-layered security system designed to protect the personal information of registered Nigerian citizens and legal residents.
According to NIMC, its security measures are maintained in line with international best practices for the protection of identity data.
“The Commission views the circulation of such unverified claims with concern, given their capacity to mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic,” the statement added.
The response comes amid heightened public sensitivity around the security of personal identity information, particularly as NIN has become increasingly important for accessing government and financial services.
The NIN is a unique identification number issued to individuals registered within Nigeria’s national identity system, while the BVN is administered through Nigeria’s banking system for customer identification and financial-sector security.
The two identifiers contain sensitive personal information, making claims about their unauthorised sale or exposure particularly significant.
NIMC’s latest statement therefore seeks to draw a distinction between allegations circulating online and any confirmed compromise of its systems.
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As of Thursday, the commission maintained that there had been no breach or compromise of the National Identity Database, while urging the public to treat unverified claims with caution.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
